As we find ourselves deep into the summer holidays, I wanted to share some of the books I've recently read or had the pleasure of exploring. Naturally, there are many interior design books among them, as well as a few related to my upcoming August destination. Can you guess where that might be?
One of my all-time favourite interiors books is SJ Axelby’s "Interior Portraits." This book is gloriously colourful and features the most stunning watercolours of the rooms of interior creatives. It also includes a room by the lovely anglophiles John and Jason from Mad Cap Cottage, based in North Carolina. I'm eagerly anticipating reading Axelby’s book, "Painted Travels," which is already on my birthday wish list—hint, hint to anyone reading this 😊.
I adore receiving books as gifts, whether for birthdays or Christmas. Recently, I was gifted "Eat, Drink, Nap" by Soho House, which now proudly sits on my coffee table alongside my Chanel and Dior books given to me by my niece after we visited both exhibitions at the V&A Museum.
Books are an integral part of interior design as well as life. They are vessels of knowledge, and libraries are repositories of that knowledge. Have you ever been lucky enough to design a home with a library? Where did you source the books? What style did your client prefer? I personally would love my own library, full to bursting bookcases, comfortable sofas, a roaring fire and endless cups of tea to sustain a day’s reading.
I have three more books on my need-to-buy or be-gifted list for this year:
"British Designers at Home" by Jenny Rose Innes
"English Decoration" by Ben Pentreath
"A Place In Scotland" by Banjo Beale
I love eclectic English country house style, and these three books indulge that passion perfectly. I've followed Ben Pentreath for some time and even visited the village of Tornagrain outside Inverness, where he has modernized a traditional-style village with delightful colours, house design and lots of space, a little reminiscent of Poundbury.
Banjo Beale, on the other hand, has produced some wonderfully colourful and homely designs. His enthusiasm for the Scottish islands is infectious, and I eagerly await his next book.
As you may have guessed, I am in Scotland this summer, which explains my current reading choices. If you’re looking for a captivating novel to enjoy this season, I highly recommend "The Skylark’s Secret" set on Loch Ewe during WWII. This novel beautifully paints a picture of community, loyalty, and duty. The lovely Fiona Watkins from FWD suggested I read it as that’s where I’m staying!
I hope you enjoy your August, wherever you may be, with a good book in hand!
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